For the past several weeks, farmers and ranchers throughout Potomac have been putting up hay.
POTOMAC – Low spring temperatures combined with above average moisture had both positive and negative impacts on local crop growth.
Missoula County crops were slow to start growing from lack of sunshine and it's warmth for germination and growth. However, area livestock producers saw native grasses flourish in summer pastures with the June moisture which is good for grazing.
In June, Potomac received more than four inches of rainfall. The moisture was above normal according to unofficial data from the National Weather Service two inches for June.
The low temperatures were lower than normal ranging from 28 to 50 degrees. The normal highs are 73 while the normal lows are 37 degrees.
Missoula County Extension Agent Jerry Marks said, "For Missoula County, the colder wet spring did slow the ability of farmers to work the fields and get crops planted."
Farmland and gardens cannot be tilled, disced or planted until the ground is thawed, warmed by sunshine and dry enough that the equipment will not mire down and seeds won't rot.
In Potomac some dryland orchard grass and alfalfa fields were affected and produced smaller hay crops as a result. Orchard grass is tall and stemmy and grows heads after the moisture and sunlight needs are met. Alfalfa is leafier. If the leaf sets are damaged by weather it can set growth back as well.
Certain properties were affected more than others due to location. Temperatures vary from the valley floors to the foothills. In certain areas of the valley, frosts are more common than others due to elevation and lack of timber. During low temperatures, the young crops could be weakened or killed by frosts and freezes.
The hot and rainless July has proven good hay harvesting weather in some areas of Potomac because it was dry enough to cut, bale and store without losing the healthy green stems and leaves. Any hay that was too thick for baling was turned for the air to circulate throughout.
When orchard grass is young, the frost can damage the stems and excess water can delay the growth.
Despite the chilly and wet weather in June, Marks said the local hay harvest is a little better than average this year altogether. Local haying season is almost done and other crops like oats are nearing harvest readiness.
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